Cimarron El Malo .45 Colt 5.5″ 6-Shot Revolver

The Cimarron El Malo .45 Colt 5.5″ 6-Shot Revolver is a single-action six-gun built for shooters who want period-correct styling and reliable performance at the range or in the field. This Pre-War 1896-1940 reproduction pairs a blued octagon barrel with a color case hardened steel frame and smooth walnut grips, chambered in .45 Colt (Long Colt). Whether you’re punching paper or carrying on the trail, the El Malo delivers the look and feel of a classic cowboy revolver without the antique price tag.

Manufacturer	Cimarron Firearms
Model	El Malo Pre-War (1896-1940)
Material	Color case hardened steel frame, blued steel barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.45 Colt (Long Colt) ammunition
Finish	Blued barrel and cylinder, color case hardened frame
Weight	Approximately 2 lbs 2 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 5.5″ Octagon Barrel — The blued octagon profile adds muzzle weight for steadier aim and better shot-to-shot consistency, especially with .45 Colt loads.
• Color Case Hardened Frame — This traditional finish resists wear while giving the revolver an authentic Old West look that stands out in any collection.
• Six-Shot Cylinder — Load up all six chambers for a full day at the range; the .45 Colt cartridge offers manageable recoil and excellent accuracy out to 25 yards.
• Wide Front Sight — The wide blade cuts down on glare and speeds up sight alignment, making it easier to stay on target during rapid fire.
• Smooth Walnut Grips — The oil-finished walnut fills the hand without sharp edges, giving you a secure hold even with heavy loads.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for cowboy action shooters, historical reenactors, and everyday carriers who want a reliable single-action in a classic caliber. It’s also a solid choice for anyone who appreciates the simplicity of an exposed-hammer design and wants a range gun that turns heads.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Authentic Pre-War styling, smooth action out of the box, affordable entry into .45 Colt single-actions, wide front sight for quick acquisition.
• Cons: The color case hardening can fade with heavy holster wear; consider a lined holster to preserve the finish. Also, the grip frame is slightly smaller than modern Ruger Vaqueros, so shooters with large hands may want to test the fit before buying.

Comparison

Feature	Cimarron El Malo	Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt	Uberti Cattleman .45 Colt
Barrel Length	5.5″	5.5″	5.5″
Frame Material	Color case hardened steel	Stainless or blued steel	Case hardened or blued steel
Weight	~2 lbs 2 oz	~2 lbs 6 oz	~2 lbs 4 oz
Action	Single-action (4-click)	Single-action (3-click)	Single-action (4-click)
Price	$652.71	~$750	~$620

The El Malo splits the difference between the Uberti’s traditional feel and the Ruger’s modern durability, offering a more authentic pre-war hammer profile than the Vaquero at a competitive price point.

FAQ

Does the Cimarron El Malo have a transfer bar safety?

No. Like original Pre-War single-actions, the El Malo uses a traditional four-click hammer and a fixed firing pin on the hammer face. Carry with the hammer down on an empty chamber for safe carry.

What loads can I shoot in the .45 Colt chamber?

Standard-pressure .45 Colt loads are fine. Avoid +P or magnum-level handloads, as the El Malo’s frame is not rated for high-pressure ammunition. Stick to 250-255 grain lead round nose or flat point loads for best accuracy.

Is this revolver compatible with aftermarket grips?

Yes. The El Malo uses the standard Colt Single Action Army grip frame, so most aftermarket grips made for Colt SAA or Uberti 1873 models will fit with minor fitting.

How does the finish hold up to regular use?

The blued barrel and cylinder will show holster wear over time, which many shooters consider character. The color case hardening is durable but can fade if exposed to harsh solvents or abrasive holsters.

Trust & Delivery

• ✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — ships to your FFL dealer
• ✔ Ships 1-2 business days from order
• ✔ 30-day returns on unused, unfired firearms
• ✔ Secure checkout with encryption

Last updated: April 2026

Related categories: Revolvers | Single Action Revolvers | Cowboy Guns